Hot topics and Internet memes in the entertainment world.

If Ronco is part of Austin now, then these funky TV ads are Austin history

This image from a television commercial shows Ron Popeil, founder of Ronco, selling some of the companys products. Ronco — known for such gadgets as the Veg-O-Matic and the Pocket Fisherman — is now headquartered in Austin.

Founded by inventor and entrepreneur Ron Popeil in 1964, Ronco is famous for gadgets sold on late-night infomercials. Though it has struggled financially in recent years, Ronco maintains that it has sold over $2 billion in Ronco-branded products in the U.S. since its inception.

Let’s look back at a few classics from decades ago:

Take that, BeDazzler!

Awww, yiss. The original gangster.

Perpetuating stereotypes and enabling creeps in cars since 1978!

Hear that? That’s the sound of every hipster in town flocking to eBay …